Diaz also wants the city to find a place to fill in a missing portion of the bike path, which disappears when it enters downtown. She wants lighting along the creek, police or volunteer bicycle patrols, landscaping with native or drought-tolerant plants, and benches or fitness equipment along the banks. She also suggests cutting holes in the concrete channel to plant trees to break up the monotony.

Councilwoman Marie Waldron suggests benches, playgrounds, basketball courts and improved access to the creek. She cautioned that lighting may bother residents who live close to the creek between Washington Avenue and Valley Parkway.

Councilman Sam Abed said he warned the students that the city doesn’t have the money to implement their plans now, but he likes the idea of grants. He said he told them that safety is a priority.

Councilman Dick Daniels said he wants visual enhancements to convey a parklike feeling.